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DULUTH — Ecolibrium3 will offer a series of free technology classes for older adults this fall after receiving a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant aimed at expanding digital literacy and connectivity.
The Duluth nonprofit will use the funding to expand programming at its newly renovated Lincoln Park Community Hub, with classes designed to help older residents become more comfortable using smartphones, artificial intelligence, online health resources and other digital tools.
The classes will use curriculum developed through Senior Planet, an AARP-backed program that provides technology training for older adults.
Ecolibrium3 said the programming is part of the Duluth Age-Friendly Initiative, which it co-leads with Duluth Aging Support and other community partners. The initiative focuses on making Duluth more accessible and livable for residents of different ages and abilities.
“Since 2021, Eco3 has proudly co-led the Duluth Age-Friendly Initiative alongside Duluth Aging Support and a growing network of community partners,” said Georgia Lane, Ecolibrium3’s director of aging initiatives. “By offering AARP's Senior Planet classes, we can address the digital literacy gap and support people staying connected and informed with rapidly changing technology.”
The fall schedule begins Sept. 22 with “Everyday Uses for AI, or Intro to AI,” from 1 to 2 p.m. Other September and October classes include technology tips for disaster preparedness, online health resources, iPhone instruction and digital tools designed to support brain health.
A recurring “Using Your iPhone” series will run Mondays and Tuesdays from Oct. 12 through Nov. 10 from 2 to 3 p.m.
The remaining scheduled classes are “Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness” from 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 24; “Online Health Resources at a Glance” from 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 29; “Getting to Know Your iPhone” from 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 6; and “Digital Tools for Brain Health” from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 13.
AARP says most adults age 50 and older use the internet, but confidence can decline when users face more complicated online tasks, including identifying scams and navigating rapidly changing technology.
“We're incredibly proud to receive this investment from AARP to advance our Age-Friendly efforts and make Duluth a better place to live for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds,” Lane said.
The AARP Community Challenge provides grants for local projects involving digital connectivity, housing, transportation, public spaces, disaster resilience and other community needs. The program is part of AARP’s Livable Communities initiative.
People interested in the Senior Planet classes can register through Ecolibrium3’s Age-Friendly program at ecolibrium3.org/age-friendly or call 218-206-6967.
Ecolibrium3 is a Duluth-based nonprofit that works on neighborhood revitalization, energy transition, housing, economic security, health and community resilience initiatives. Much of its neighborhood-focused work is centered in Lincoln Park.
